In 2024, Sam Darold spent his breakout year in the NFL. It was his first season with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold had traded $10 million over a year. He exceeded his expectations with Minnesota.
Darnold started all 17 Vikings games in 2024, making it 14-3. After his career-high season, the Vikings do not use the 27-year-old franchise tag. There is hope that both parties can reach an agreement for a long extension of this offseason.
Sam Darnold is not allowed to be franchise tagged by Vikings
Viking QB Sam Darnold is unlikely to be a franchise ahead of the 4pm deadline on Tuesday, according to league sources.
Minnesota is still interested in working to re-sign Darnold, but it may not have a tag. pic.twitter.com/wjlma2aizs
-Adam Scha After (@adamscha after) March 4, 2025
Heading into the 2024 season, the Vikings had two QBs. Sam Darnold was their veteran QB and JJ McCarthy was the first round pick for the rookie. Many media members throughout the league were hoping that Darnold would start the season. Sometime this year, they hand over the rule over to McCarthy. But the plan lies down when the rookie suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.
That made Sam Darnold the first full-time starter role since the 2021 season. With the 17th start of the Vikings in 2024, Darnold had a career-high season 14-3. His 4,319 yards and 35 passing touchdowns were new career-highs. He was in the top five with passing yards and passing touchdowns. That’s enough for Darnold to win his first Pro Bowl selection.
After a career-high season, the Vikings have had predicaments before. Sam Darnold looked incredible as a Viking in 2024. However, the team is invested in JJ McCarthy’s future. Darnold turns 28 this summer, and is just taking a hit at the height of his career. Will the Vikings let Danold walk after his career-high season? The free agency will begin on March 12th at 4pm.
